Koror—Palau President Tommy Remengesau said he has faith that the United States “will do all it can to protect everyone in the region with the same commitment they will do for the U.S.”
Protecting the region, the president said, is part of the United States’ obligations under the Compact of Free Association and such commitment is also attached to “diplomatic and cultural ties.”
Amid North Korea’s renewed threats to attack Guam in response to President Donald Trump’s “fire and fury,” Remengesau said Palau stands “with the people of Guam and the region in our concerns for the well-being of everyone.”
Pyongyang said it was "carefully examining the operational plan for making an enveloping fire at the areas around Guam”
“Pray that this is all rhetoric and hoping that reasonable mind come together and find solution to ensure peace of mind in the region,” Remengesau said.
The president also assuaged concerns among his citizens, saying the US “has reiterated support and protection for Palauans.”
While the US has assured it is equipped with technology and defense capability , Remengesau said “we don't want to taste those capabilities but I think there is more we don't know.”
Palau, located 1,296 kilometers from Guam, is also part of the military’s important theater.
In July, the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee included a provision authorizing the long-overdue Palau Compact Review Agreement in their version of the FY18 National Defense Authorization Act. The House committee’s version included $123.9 million in funding for the Palau agreement.